It is unlikely that Breasclete School will lose its additional Gaelic medium teacher following a debate by councillors on Tuesday.

The Education Committee recommended by an 8 - 4 vote that until such time as other schools with Gaelic medium units of comparable size to Breasclete reached the 'language balance', no alteration to the current staffing levels be introduced.

Councillor Alex Macdonald of Carloway was successful in his motion that Breasclete School should not lose their additional Gaelic medium teacher, pointing out how successful the policy had been. Parents who attended the meeting were delighted with the outcome.

A report was before the Committee 'to provide information on the staffing of Gaelic Medium Units and to recommend the application of the National Staffing Formula when schools reach P1-7 balance in consistency with the formula's application to bilingual classes'.

Said Committee chairman Roderick Macdonald, "This is quite a detailed report in front of you here. It is presented in various ways and at times is difficult to understand."

Councillor Finlay Morrison of North Lochs wondered how many children continued speaking Gaelic as they progressed through school into further education.

The kind of Gaelic he was hearing, in particular on radio and television, was 'Tha sinn a' deanamh a h-uile effort a Ghaidhlig a chumail pure', he told the Committee.

"That is the kind of Gaelic that is coming through. I am a bit concerned," he said.

But Director of Education and Leisure Services Neil Galbraith was adamant that Gaelic Medium Education had been an outstanding success in the Western Isles.

He said that when children had Gaelic at the age of seven it was never lost, but the pupils still had much to learn from that age onwards.

In the islands, a fair number had reached Primaries 5, 6 and 7 being taught through Gaelic Medium.

"The children from these units have gone into secondary and we are offering a range of subjects in that language," he said.

Mr Galbraith said that children in Gaelic Medium Units were also being taught French.

As far as Gaelic Medium education was concerned, Mr Galbraith stated, "This has been a marvellous success and a reassurance to parents. Our bilingual children are performing as well, and in some areas better, than monoglot children."

Assistant Director of Education Catriona Dunn said she was convinced of the value of Gaelic Medium Education.

Children coming in without Gaelic were becoming fluent in speech as well as in reading and writing the language.

Chairman Roderick Macdonald said that some parents were ashamed to use the language. There were also some who were very fluent in Gaelic although they had not been educated in it.

"If Gaelic is going to have any status, it is going to have to be used more," said Councillor Macdonald.

He went on to say that Gaelic Medium Units did work and had been successful.

"I don't know of any Gaelic Medium Unit or school that has said it has not worked for them," he added.

Councillor Alasdair Macrae of Bayhead said that his daughter was in the Gaelic Medium Unit in Stornoway Primary.

"I don't think that Gaelic Medium Education is going to be in vain at all. They are going to come out of school able to read, write and speak Gaelic and English. They also get French," said Councillor Macrae.

He added, "I was very dubious - but I am now converted to it."

Councillor Donnie Murray of Laxdale took issue with Councillor Morrison of North Lochs regarding the 'purity' of Gaelic and those who mixed English with the language.

"The ones that Mr Morrison is speaking of are the ones, like myself, who did not have the benefit of Gaelic Medium classes."

As a parent who had children go through the Gaelic Medium system in Primary, Councillor Alasdair Nicholson of Coll vouched it had been of enormous benefit.

'There is no question of there being any problem with children not being able to communicate at the end of that in English or Gaelic. I do wonder if, to some extent, we have become complacent or have taken for granted that everyone understands the value of Gaelic Medium schools,' he said.

Councillor Nicholson felt that more information should be sent out to parents about the subject.

Mrs Dunn said it was hoped to speak to parents and perhaps to playgroups.

Councillor Alex Macdonald said that what was happening at Breasclete School with regard to Gaelic Medium education was nothing other than a success story. Anyone who doubted whether Gaelic was prospering should go to that school, he said.

Councillor Macdonald did not feel that they should tamper with the situation at the school.

Chairman Councillor Roderick Macdonald put forward the amendment that when a school reached P1 - 7 language balance, the school should be staffed in accordance with formula entitlement.

He admitted that Breasclete School had been the Council's 'star' as far as Gaelic Medium education was concerned. But the Council had to stay within their policy and he did not feel that everything would fall apart if they implemented their policy.

Councillor Donald Macdonald of Bays said he had attended Breasclete School and was most impressed with the situation, hearing not one word of English in the classroom.

Outside in the playing field he stayed for about quarter of an hour and did not hear English being spoken by the children.

"I am not going to spoil something that is excellent," he said.

The Harris councillor went on, "We should try and encourage Gaelic more and not try to stop children from learning it. We are spending money on other things that are not so good or beneficial. I would ask each member here to support Mr Macdonald (of Carloway). I am more than happy to support him. If we don't, it is a backward step. If we want to have Gaelic for many years to come, we have to support Mr Macdonald."

But Councillor Donald A Mackay of Dell said if the Council were going to retain an additional teacher in Gaelic Medium Schools, it would deprive other areas wishing such a unit.

Councillor Iain MacSween of Tiumpan said he could not agree with the parents in Breasclete. He felt that the Council policy should be adhered to.

Chairman Roderick Macdonald pointed out that other schools did not have Gaelic Medium Units because of the shortage of money.

When it came to the vote, it was recommended by 8 - 4 that the additional teacher remain at Breasclete.

Original article Stornoway Gazette Jan 30 1997.